Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil

Imagine a sun-soaked afternoon, the kind where the warmth dances on your skin like a gentle kiss from Mother Nature. You find yourself in the kitchen, the tantalizing scent of fresh basil wafting through the air, mixing with the sweetness of cherry tomatoes that pop with flavor, ready to be transformed into Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta. This is not just any pasta; it’s a celebration of summer on a plate—a bright, fragrant joy that beckons, promising warmth and nostalgia.

Now, close your eyes for a moment and think about those cozy Sunday dinners with family and friends. The big pasta bowl takes center stage as laughter fills the room. That’s the magic of Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta. Perfect for a backyard barbecue or an intimate dinner party, it never fails to evoke memories of sunshine and togetherness. Anticipate the flavors bursting forth, kaleidoscopic colors, and the aroma that fills your heart with joy as it wafts through your home. Are you ready for a pasta experience that will have your taste buds singing?

Ingredients for Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta:

4 pints cherry tomatoes – Halved to allow their sweetness to burst during cooking, these are the stars of the dish.

Good olive oil – Use a high-quality extra virgin variety for the best flavor; it enhances the dish beautifully.

2 tablespoons minced garlic – Freshly minced for a punchy kick, it adds depth and aroma that compliments the tomatoes.

18 large basil leaves – Julienned with love, fresh basil adds a fragrant and peppery hint that screams summer.

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes – A sprinkle adds just the right touch of heat to balance the flavors perfectly.

Kosher salt – Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste for perfect flavor harmony.

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – Freshly ground provides a more robust flavor than pre-ground.

1 pound dried angel hair pasta – Delicate yet sturdy, it nicely absorbs the sauce and elevates the dish’s overall texture.

1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese – For that creamy, cheesy goodness, freshly grated works best for melting and flavor.

How to Make Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta:

Step 1: Prepare the Tomato Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, ½ cup of good olive oil, minced garlic, julienned basil leaves, crushed red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well, cover with plastic wrap, and let it mingle at room temperature for about four hours. This time is crucial; it allows the flavors to develop and deepen beautifully.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta
Just before you plan to enjoy your pasta, bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a splash of olive oil along with 2 tablespoons of salt. Carefully toss in the angel hair pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 2 to 3 minutes, until al dente.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Drain the pasta well, ensuring no water clings to it, then promptly add it to your giant bowl of tomato deliciousness. Because this pasta is a summer symphony, gently fold in 1½ cups of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and some extra fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor.

Step 4: Toss Together
With a gentle yet enthusiastic motion, toss your pasta and sauce together, allowing those lovely flavors to shower the noodles in their goodness. This step is essential, as it marries the ingredients harmoniously.

Step 5: Serve with Style
Transfer generous helpings into large bowls, ensuring each bowl is adorned with extra cheese and basil for a final flourish. Don’t forget to ask your guests if they prefer a little extra kick of red pepper flakes.

Step 6: Enjoy the Moment
Take a moment to savor the sight of this masterpiece before digging in. A bowl of Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta is not just food; it’s an experience, igniting laughter and creating delightful memories as you share it with loved ones.

This lovely pasta is more than just a recipe; it’s a reminder that the simplest ingredients, when allowed to shine, create flavors that stick with you long after the meal is over. So gather around the table, pour a glass of wine (or sparkling lemonade, if that suits you), and let the good times roll! Celebrate each delicious bite of Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta, your new favorite summer dish.

Perfecting Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta Cooking Process

To cook this dish perfectly, start by preparing the cherry tomato mixture first. While it’s hanging out and getting flavorful, cook the angel hair pasta separately. This timing ensures everything melds beautifully just before serving.

Add Your Touch to Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta

Feel free to swap cherry tomatoes for heirloom varieties or add roasted red peppers for an extra layer of flavor. You can even toss in some sautéed zucchini or a handful of spinach for added nutrition.

Storing & Reheating Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, toss in a hot skillet for a couple of minutes, adding a splash of olive oil to keep it fresh.

Sharing this pasta with friends last summer turned an ordinary barbecue into a culinary celebration. Their smiles were priceless, and I found out that adding a bit of lemon zest takes it to another level!

FAQs About Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta

What is Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta?

Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta is a delightfully fresh dish that features the vibrant flavors of cherry tomatoes, basil, and angel hair pasta. This recipe celebrates the summer season, taking advantage of ripe tomatoes and fragrant herbs, creating a perfect light meal. The ingredients marinate together to develop a rich flavor profile, making it a favorite for casual dinners or special gatherings. It’s simple and quick to prepare, yet it dazzles with color and taste, making every bite feel like a celebration of summer.

How long should I marinate the tomatoes for Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta?

To enhance the flavors in Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta, marinate the cherry tomatoes for at least four hours at room temperature. This allows the tomatoes to release their natural sweetness and meld beautifully with the olive oil, garlic, and basil. If you’re short on time, even a couple of hours will add flavor, but the longer they sit, the more intense the taste. Just be sure to cover them with plastic wrap as they marinate to keep all those delicious aromas locked in.

Can I customize Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta?

Absolutely! Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta is incredibly versatile. You can swap cherry tomatoes for heirloom varieties, toss in roasted red peppers, or add sautéed zucchini for an extra layer of flavor. Feel free to include other vegetables or proteins, such as grilled chicken or shrimp, to suit your preferences. This adaptability makes it a go-to dish for using whatever seasonal produce you have on hand, allowing your creativity to shine in the kitchen.

What should I serve with Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta?

To complement Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta, consider serving it with a light salad or a side of garlic bread for a complete meal. A refreshing arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully, enhancing the dish’s fresh flavors. You could also serve a simple antipasto platter as a starter, featuring olives, melon, and cheese. This combination of sides allows the pasta dish to shine while providing a well-rounded dining experience that will impress family and friends.

Conclusion for Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta

Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta is a vibrant dish that brings the essence of summer right to your dinner table. With its fresh ingredients and simple preparation, you can enjoy a delicious meal that impresses without overwhelming you in the kitchen. Remember to marinate the tomatoes for optimal flavor and feel free to customize the dish to suit your taste. This recipe is not only easy to make but also a delightful way to showcase the best of garden-fresh produce. Enjoy every bite of your lovely summer creation!

Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil

Experience the vibrant flavors of Ina Garten's Summer Garden Pasta with cherry tomatoes, basil, and angel hair pasta, perfect for a summer meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 4 hours hrs

Cook Time 3 minutes mins

Total Time 4 hours hrs 3 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner Recipes

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 600

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

Tomato Mixture

• 4 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup good olive oil
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic (about 6 cloves)
• 18 large leaves basil, julienned plus extra for serving
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Pasta

• 1 pound dried angel hair pasta
• 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving

Equipment

• large bowl
• large pot
• Colander

Method

 

Preparation

1. Combine the cherry tomatoes, ½ cup olive oil, garlic, basil leaves, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, and set aside at room temperature for about 4 hours.
2. Just before serving, bring a large pot of water with a splash of olive oil and 2 tablespoons salt to a boil and add the pasta. Cook al dente according to the package directions (2 to 3 minutes).
3. Drain the pasta well and add it to the bowl with the cherry tomatoes. Add the cheese and some extra fresh basil leaves; toss well.
4. Serve in big bowls with extra cheese on each serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 20gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For the best flavor, allow the cherry tomatoes to marinate for at least four hours and don't skimp on the cheese.

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